Device for the angular orientation of a boot on a gliding or rolling board

ABSTRACT

A device for the angular orientation of a boot to be associated with a gliding or rolling board. The device includes a disk and a plate, the disk having a peripheral toothing. The plate is rotationally guided in relation to the disk. The plate is provided with an arm that has a toothed end. The arm is journalled with respect to tie plate along an axis that is parallel to the thickness of the plate, and an elastic mechanism biases the arm such that the toothed end of the arm is engaged with the peripheral toothing of the disk.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 00 09801, filed Jul. 21, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of gliding or rolling sports, and relates more particularly to a device for the angular orientation of a boot with respect to a board.

[0004] 2. Description of Background and Relevant Information

[0005] Devices of the aforementioned type are used, for example, on boards adapted to snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfboarding.

[0006] In the case of a snowboard, the prior art includes numerous examples, such as that disclosed in patent publication WO 98/37934.

[0007] According to this document, an angular orientation device includes a disk and a plate. The disk has a peripheral toothing. The plate is rotationally guided in relation to the disk. The plate is provided with an arm that has a toothed end. A mechanism makes it possible to position the arm in a locking position or in an unlocking position.

[0008] The locking position is that in which the toothed end of the aim is engaged with the toothing of the disk. In this case, the plate is immobilized with respect to the disk and, consequently, with respect to the board.

[0009] The unlocking position is that in which the toothed end of the arm is distanced from the toothing of the disk. In this case, the plate is free to rotate with respect to the disk and, consequently, with respect to the board.

[0010] The device according to patent publication WO 98/137934 makes it possible to adjust the angular orientation of a boot with respect to a board. However, the structure of the device according to this document has the disadvantage of being complicated, because it includes numerous parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the invention in particular is to simply the structure of an angular orientation device.

[0012] To this end, the invention proposes a device for the angular orientation of a boot to be associated with a gliding or rolling board, the device including a disk and a plate, the disk having a peripheral toothing, the plate being rotationally guided in relation to the disk along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the plate, on the one hand, and to the thickness of the disk on the other hand, the plate being provided with an arm that has a toothed end.

[0013] The arm is journalled with respect to the plate along an axis that is substantially parallel to the thickness of the plate, and an elastic mechanism biases the arm such that the toothed end of the arm is engaged with the peripheral toothing of the disk.

[0014] The device according to the invention includes a small number of parts. This further simplifies its structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description that follows, with reference to the annexed drawings showing, by way of non-limiting examples, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an exploded, cross-sectional view along the line 11-11 of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross-section similar to that of FIG. 2, in a case where the elements of the device are assembled;

[0019]FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the device;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a partial, perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0022]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The first embodiment of the invention, which relates to the field of snowboarding, is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

[0024] In a known manner, as can be better understood with reference to FIG. 1, a boot (not shown) can be retained on a board 1 by means of a binding 2. The board 1 extends longitudinally along a direction L1, and transversely between a first lateral edge 3 and a second lateral edge 4. The board 1 also has an upper surface 5 and a lower surface or sole 6.

[0025] The binding 2 includes a plate 7 that extends, along a longitudinal direction L2, from a front end 8 to a rear end 9. The plate 7 is edged laterally with a first projection 10 and with a second projection 11, the projections 10, 11 being connected to one another by an arc 12 extending rearwardly of the rear end 9.

[0026] A retaining assembly is provided to retain the boot in the binding, such that the sole is above an upper surface 13 of the plate 7, and that the heel is opposite the arc 12. This retaining assembly is shown in the form of two straps 14, 15 which can be open or closed by a user. It can be provided that the length of the straps 14, 15 are adjustable by any suitable means.

[0027] Complementarily, a rear support element 16 enables rear supports with the lower leg. This element is here journalled on the projections 10, 11 along a transverse axis W of the binding 2.

[0028] The plate 7 is retained on the board 1 by a disk 17 such that its lower surface 18 is above the upper surface S of the board.

[0029] The disk 17 itself is removably affixed to the board 1, for example, by means of screws 19.

[0030] As shown better in FIG. 2, the disk 17 has an upper surface 20 provided to be opposite the boot sole, and a lower surface 21 provided to be above the upper surface 5 of the board 1.

[0031] Between the upper surface 20 and the lower surface 21, the disk 17 successively has three portions. A first portion 22 is provided with a shoulder 23 whose geometry is shown in the form of a truncated cone. A second circular portion 24 is provided with a peripheral toothing 25. A third portion 26 is shown in the form of a cylinder.

[0032] To receive the disk 17, an opening 27 is provided in the thickness of the plate 7, between the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 18, The opening 27 successively has three portions. A first portion 28 has a shape complementary to the shoulder 23 of the disk 17. A second portion 29 is cylindrical and smooth for housing the toothing 25 of the disk 17. A third portion 30 is cylindrical and smooth for housing the cylindrical portion 26 of the disk 17.

[0033] When the disk 17 retains the plate 7 on the board 1, as is the case in FIG. 3, the axis 31 of the disk 17 and the axis 32 of the opening 27 are substantially merged. The axes 31, 32 are also substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the plate 7, on the one hand, and to the thickness of the disk 17, on the other hand.

[0034] A mechanism makes it possible to lock or unlock the position of the plate 7 with respect to the disk 17. This mechanism includes an arm 33 which has a toothed end 34. The arm is housed in a channel 35 obtained, for example, in the form of a groove provided in the lower surface 18 of the plate 7. The channel 35 is oriented longitudinally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis 32 of the opening 27 of the plate 7.

[0035] According to the invention, the arm 33 is journalled with respect to the plate 7, along an axis 36 substantially parallel to the thickness of the plate 7. An elastic means, shown in the form of a spring 37, biases the arm 33 such that the toothed end 34 of the arm 33 is engaged with the peripheral toothing 25 of the second portion 24 of the disk 17. The arm 33 is flattened against the bottom 38 of the channel 35. This situation corresponds to a locking state of the orientation device. The plate 7 cannot rotate with respect to the disk 17.

[0036] The arm 33 is therefore naturally in a position that causes the plate 7 to be rotationally immobilized with respect to the disk 17.

[0037] The user can unlock the orientation device to rotate the plate 7 with respect to the disk 17, along the axes 31, 32, as is better understood with reference to FIG. 4.

[0038] To this end, a handle 39 is connected to the arm 33, the handle and the arm preferably forming a single piece. The shape of the handle 39 is provided such that the user can slip at least one finger into the cavity 40 of the handle 39, and exert an unlocking force in the direction of the arrow. A traction on the handle 39 causes a rotation of the arm 33 along the axis 36. Consequently, the toothed end 34 of the arm 33 is no longer engaged with the peripheral toothing 25 of the disk 17.

[0039] In the unlocking position, the toothed end 34 of the arm 33 is opposite the third cylindrical portion 26 of the disk 17. This is possible because the diameter of the third portion 26 is less than the diameter of the toothing 25 of the second portion 24.

[0040] The user can cause the plate 7 to rotate with respect to the disk 17, so as to orient the plate in relation to the board 1 along a selected direction. When this direction is obtained, it suffices to release the handle 39. The spring 37 causes a return of the toothed end 34 toward the peripheral toothing 25. If the teeth of the end 34 and of the periphery 25 are offset, then the toothed end 34 engages with the peripheral toothing 25, i.e., in a locking position of the device.

[0041] This configuration is shown in a bottom view in FIG. 5.

[0042] If the teeth are in interference, then the toothed end 34 takes support on the peripheral toothing 25. It then suffices to make the plate 7 rotate with respect to the disk 17 to offset the teeth and place the end 34 in engagement with the peripheral toothing 25.

[0043] Preferably, the dimensions of the teeth, of the toothed end 34 of the arm 33 and of the peripheral toothing 25 are provided to obtain an angular pitch on the order of three degrees. This provides the device with an adequate precision.

[0044] Preferably, the profile of the teeth of the disk 17 is obtained by a generating line that is parallel to the axis 31 of the disk, and the profile of the teeth of the arm 33 is obtained by a generating line that is perpendicular to the thickness of the arm. The teeth of the disk 17 are therefore oriented radially with respect to the disk, and the teeth of the arm 33 are contained in the thickness of the arm. These characteristics make it possible to reduce the space requirement of the orientation device in the direction of its thickness.

[0045] As is understood with reference to FIGS. 2-4, the journal axis 36 of the arm 33 is contained in a plane that also contains the peripheral toothing 25 of the disk 17. Thus, the displacement of the teeth of the end 34 of the arm 33 occurs substantially in a direction that is parallel to the axis 31 of the disk. This characteristic contributes to reducing the wear and tear of the teeth of the disk 17 and of the arm 33.

[0046] Furthermore, as seen better in FIG. 1, the handle 39 is arranged laterally with respect to the binding, i.e., with respect to the angular orientation device, Thus, the user can maneuver the handle 39 and orient his foot even if the boot is retained on the plate 7.

[0047] The second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6, 7.

[0048] In fact, this is an angular orientation device similar to the previous one. For this reason, only the differences are described.

[0049] A mechanism is provided to lock or unlock the device. The mechanism includes an arm 50 and a handle 51, journalled with respect to one another by means of a pin 52 having an axis 53. The length of the pin 52 is greater than the width of the arm 50, such that the arm 50 is journalled on the plate of the device. The arm 50 has a toothed end 54 and a junction end 55, the latter being bored to receive the pin 52. The handle 51 is also bored for the passage of the pin 52, and has an extension 56 provided to be housed in a cavity 57 of the arm 50.

[0050] A first spring 58 constantly biases the arm 50, upwardly toward the bottom of the channel receiving the arm. A second spring 59 constantly biases the handle 51, such that a lower surface 60 of the handle is applied on the board on which the orientation device is mounted.

[0051] The mechanism enables a locking and an unlocking of the angular orientation device as explained hereinafter.

[0052] In the locking position, the base 60 of the handle 51 is biased toward the gliding board by the second spring 59, and the first spring 58 maintains the toothed end 54 engaged with the peripheral toothing of the disk.

[0053] To unlock, a traction force applied on the handle 51 induces a displacement of the toothed end 54, because an abutment 61 of the extension 56 presses on the wall 62 of the cavity 57.

[0054] To lock, it suffices to release the handle 51, as in the preceding example. If the teeth are offset, then the arm 50 and the handle 51 reassume the locking position.

[0055] If the teeth are then in interference, contrary to the preceding example, the handle 51 nevertheless reassumes the locking position. This is due to the action of the second spring 59. It suffices to rotate the plate with respect to the disk to offset the teeth and to also replace the arm 50 in the locking position, due to the action of the first spring 58.

[0056] This structure of the mechanism makes it possible, in the absence of an external force, to keep the handle 51 in constant contact with the board on which the device is mounted.

[0057] Generally speaking, the invention can be made with any of the materials and according to any of the techniques known to a person with ordinary skill in the art.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the particular examples described hereinabove and shown in the drawings, but includes all of the technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

[0059] In particular, the number of teeth of the arm is not a set number. This number can vary, for example, from 1 to 20.

[0060] The shapes and the position of the handle can be modified, as well as the shapes and the positions of the arm and of the channel.

[0061] The arrangement of the portions of the disk 17 or of the portions of the opening 27 of the plate 7 could be different. For example, the peripheral tooting of the disk could be opposite the board, the cylindrical and smooth portion then being between the shoulder and the toothing. In this case, the second and third portions of the opening of the plate have the same diameter.

[0062] The second portion of provides a clearing space for the toothed end of the arm. The unlocking occurs when the toothed end of the arm rises toward the shoulder of the disk. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for the angular orientation of a boot to be associated with a gliding or rolling board, the device comprising: a disk and a plate, the disk having a peripheral toothing, the plate being rotationally guided in relation to the disk along an axis substantially perpendicular to a thickness of the plate and to the thickness of the disk, the plate being provided with an arm having a toothed end, the arm being journalled with respect to the plate along an axis substantially parallel to the thickness of the plate, and an elastic mechanism biasing the arm such that the toothed end of the arm is engaged with the peripheral toothing of the disk.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the arm is housed in a channel provided in the plate.
 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the channel is oriented longitudinally, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of an opening of the plate provided to receive the disk.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the journal axis of the arm is contained in a plane which also contains the peripheral toothing of the disk.
 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the profile of the teeth of the disk is obtained by a generating line parallel to the axis of the disk, and wherein the profile of the teeth of the arm is obtained by a generating line perpendicular to the thickness of the arm.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein a handle is connected to the arm.
 7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the handle is arranged laterally with respect to the device.
 8. A device according to claims 1, wherein the elastic mechanism that biases the arm, such that the toothed end of the arm is engaged with the peripheral toothing of the disk, is a spring. 